Heat in Buildings: progress report 2023

Conclusion

This report summarises the considerable progress we have made in the past year.

Our Delivery Schemes, through £170 million of capital investment, have supported the heat transition in homes and buildings across Scotland.

Delivering Scotland’s strategy for heat is a huge challenge and will require support in so many areas, not just capital investment. For example we also need supply chain readiness, a clear regulatory framework, support from the public through engagement, and a plan for Scotland’s many unique buildings, such as tenements, and rural areas.

We have developed regulations for new buildings, but now the biggest challenge remains in existing buildings. We know this is an environmental, social and economic necessity, and also a legal obligation to which all parties in Parliament signed up to in 2019. We will shortly seek the views of the people of Scotland on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill, and will take account of those views before bringing legislation to Parliament.

We will do this in a way that puts people and communities at the heart of our approach, so no one is left behind. This will be our opportunity to break Scotland’s dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets, and achieve greener and more reliable ways to heat our homes and buildings.